Shabana Mahmood's comments

[ThisPeppyGreenCritic]

I am absolutely disgusted by both Shabana Mahmood describing anti-genocide protests in this way when far-right marches of people screaming fascist propaganda have been uncritically happening for months, and the BBC in this article, in particular quoting Ephraim Mirvis as if he is speaking for the entire Jewish community in the UK and uncritically quoting his allegations smearing anti-genocide protests as “antisemitic”.

A horrific antisemitic attack is sickening. Using it for political ends is morally bankrupt.

I'm interested in the stance of other MNetters on, broadly, this situation and, specifically, of Mahmood's comments.

Relevant link: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ckgy8kvvkp3o

The very worst kinds of people took to the streets and train stations last night shouting and waving Palestinian flags.

Hold your view. That's fine. But for fucks sake, there's a time and place and they could have shown the Jewish community just a smattering of compassion.

which Comment are you ‘disgusted’ with?

I agree it’s ‘un British’. There had been a terror attack have a bit of compassion. Surely whatever your view that’s basic human decency.

I've always viewed those marches as an excuse for anti Jewish hatred. I was impressed with Shabana Mahmood's response.

It's not an anti-genocide march when 'From the river to the sea' is proclaimed and where protesters wear t shirts showing images of paragliders.

I'm very glad Mahmood said something.

'From the river to the sea' is a pro-genocide slogan.

I'm relieved by Mahmood's comments.

I have very serious concerns about the actions of the Israeli government in Gaza. But equally, I have very serious concerns about the rise of antisemitism in the UK. Yesterday, two innocent Jewish people were murdered in Manchester. They were not remotely responsible for the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. They were simply going about their lives in their home city, and celebrating their holy day.

I care deeply about the plight of the Palestinian people, but I really don't think it was appropriate yesterday for the march to go ahead. It didn't help the Palestinians in any way and merely caused further pain for Jewish communities here in the UK. The timing was massively insensitive and disrespectful imo. It should have been cancelled.

I’m not sure what it’s meant to achieve. There will be protests on Saturday and people will chant things. What has she effected? Is there a law change, she is in gov.

In all probability arrangements had been made in advance for these marches and many of the attendees were already in transit at the time the terrorist incident began. Were they all supposed to pack up and go home?

I think the marches could have been cancelled given the events, yes.

totally agree with her comments.

Honestly, yes, I think that would have been the right thing to do under the circumstances.

Also agree with her comments

Its perfectly possible to totally condemn the horrific anti semitic attack that happened yesterday, and also totally condemn and speak out about, the genocide in Gaza. Why would anyone try to insinuate you can only do one or the other? Our Politicians and community leaders need to pick their words very carefully and responsibly, they should not be seeking to demonise certain groups or to sow more division.

Yes, had they slightest degree of compassion then thats exactly what they should have done.

They've shouted their slogans. How has that helped Gaza exactly?

I agree with cancelling events, let people mourn.

Anyone who attended those 'protests' hours after such an attack needs to be on a watchlist

Yes. And stay there, preferably.

I cannot see anything wrong with what she has said & am perplexed anyone would.

Hold your view. That's fine. But for fucks sake, there's a time and place and they could have shown the Jewish community just a smattering of compassion.

Mind boggling others can't see this.

Yes! But what a shame if they had gone back, then they would have missed out on a nice day out of Jew bashing. Had probably packed sandwiches with a nice flask of tea.

Were they all supposed to pack up and go home?

Would have that been so hard? They could have done something else, go for a coffee, some food

I think you can certainly condemn both, and indeed I do, but I also think that it would have been wise for the organisers of the protest yesterday to cancel out of respect for the victims and their families in Manchester and the wider Jewish community here in the UK.

The comments were covering marches this weekend too? Does she want them stopped or not, it’s actually within her remit.

I think you can certainly condemn both, and indeed I do, but I also think that it would have been wise for the organisers of the protest yesterday to cancel out of respect for the victims and their families in Manchester and the wider Jewish community here in the UK.

It is not a good look

Exactly - she’s the Home Secretary, surely she can ban any marches she likes? Just tell the police!

She was right.

The police needed to be available to protect Synagogues etc.

Not manage crowds of flag wavers.

Utterly tone deaf of the protestors.